Share via e-mail

“In Grandma’s Kitchen” was my childhood (Connections, July 15). Like writer Miriam Weinstein, I was blessed with one of the Grandmother Greats. She was always cooking up something delicious, and from scratch. I will forever cherish those times in Grandma’s kitchen, when we would talk about everything and anything. I learned to experiment with food and realized that some of the best-tasting things don’t come with directions. I think there is an important life lesson in there that goes beyond cooking.

I so enjoyed “In Grandma’s Kitchen.” Six-year-old Samantha and Rachel just spent the week with us, and, aside from myriad wonderful activities, we made challah and cookies. The day we made the cookies, despite also having gone to an art class in the morning and an outdoor balloon library program in the afternoon, when we discussed “favorites of the day” at dinner, making cookies was number one.

Barbara Kaplan / Rockport

LAW & ORDER

Ted Dobson’s story about the “murder” of his daughter Moira is right on target (Perspective, July 8). As a police officer for more than 39 years, I have seen a consistent lack of will in the political and criminal justice systems to hold alcohol-impaired drivers accountable. In reviewing 30 drunken driving arrests in the first half of 2012 in Foxborough, I found that 12 of the individuals were repeat offenders (40 percent). The only element Dobson missed was the liquor industry itself, which extensively markets its product and salves its conscience by placing “Drink Responsibly” on their bottles while also making record profits. I cannot think of a greater calamity to befall a family than the loss of a child, that loss then compounded by a system that does not serve the survivors.

Chief Edward O’Leary / Foxborough Police

I have said for years, anyone who drives drunk should be jailed — period. No multiple chances, no meaningless license suspension. Let’s raise the standard to zero tolerance. I’ll bet we would start to see immediate results. Shame on our society for letting these killers loose and putting families through this agony.

Janet Wheeler / Stow

It is up to the legal system to realize that driving while drunk should be treated as seriously as aiming and shooting a loaded gun. There is no difference. Drunk drivers are criminals who should be punished. Laws should be the same all over the country. If you take a life while driving drunk, you should lose your license permanently. I pray for the Dobson family and will continue to be a designated driver for friends, family, and even strangers.

Linda R. Gannon / Warwick, Rhode Island

Drunk drivers are our real terrorists. In 2010, they killed 10,228 people, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Fewer than 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks. Our most frightening enemy is our drunk neighbor.

Mary Grams / Boston

Ohio makes convicted drunk drivers get a different color license plate. This way police and other people will watch to see how he or she is driving. The police will also be able to spot the car more easily and check to see if he or she is driving with a suspended license.

Mitch Freeman / Waltham

I would like to compliment Dobson for putting a laser beam on a glaring problem with our judicial system, where judges and juries are unable or unwilling to serve the public. Because of their dereliction of duty, no one is safe on Massachusetts highways. A motor vehicle is as dangerous as any weapon, especially in the hands of an intoxicated driver. As a father and grandfather, I cannot fathom the loss the Dobson family has faced. I truly hope Dobson’s article will result in fundamental changes that are so long overdue.